Voting-machine.



No. 652,9l5. Y 7 Patented July 3, I900. J. FAIN &. M. HERSTRUM.

VOTING MACHINE.

(Application filed Aug. 22, 1899.)

6 Sheets-Sheet I.

(No Model.)

anve-wl o'vs J Fay)? zlzx W S/HO'LVWOM THE NORRIS PETERS CO PNQTQ-LITNO MIIASHHGGTUN, D. C.

No. 652,9l5.

Patehted July 3, mm. J. FAIN 8. M. HEBSTBOM, I

vonne MACHINE.

(Application filed Aug. 22, 1899.)

5 Sheets8heet 2,

' (Nb Model.)

7- Hans from THE NORR'S wzrzas co. PnoYo-umm WASHINGTON. u. c.

No. 652,9l5. Patented July 3, I900. J. FAIN am. HEBSTRUM.

VOTING MACHINE.

(Application filed Aug. 22, 1899.)

(No Model.) 6 Sheets-Sheet 3.

6 ll-lllllllllllllll 5 r M I LJIH x "m 6 51M) A W063 J. Fain f/erszrom' THE Nr mms PETERS 00., PHOTELLITHOH wAsl-lincrou. n. c.

6 Sheets-Sheet 5.

Patented July 3, I900.

Hllll H l I ll /2 mmml VOTING MACHINE. (Appiication filed Aug. 22, 1899.)

III/II/I/l/I/I/I/lMl/0'I///////m//IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMWM/l J. FAIN & M. HERSTROM.

(No Model.)

Patented July 3, [90.0.

No. 652,9l5.

J. FAINGL M. HERSTROMQ' VOTING MACHINE.

(Application filed Aug. 22, 1899.)

6 Sheets8heet 6.

(No Model.)

UNITED STAT S PATENT OFFIcE.

JOSIAH FAIN AND MARTIN HERSTROM, OF DENVER, COLORADO.

VOTING-MACHINE.

$PECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 652,915, dated July 3, 1900.

Application filed August 22, 1899. Serial No. 728,139. (No model.)

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that we, JOSIAH FAIN and MAR- TIN HERSTROM, citizens of the United States of America, residing at Denver, in the county of Arapahoe and State of Colorado, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in VOtingMachineS; and we do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it ap'pertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters and figures of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

Our invention relates to improvements in voting-machines; and it consists of the features, arrangements, and combinations hereinafter described and claimed, all of which willbe'fully understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which is illustrated an embodiment thereof.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a top or plan View of our improved machine, showing the doors open. Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the same. Fig. 3 is a horizontal section taken on the line X X, Fig. 4., only one of the radial partitions being sectionized. Fig. 4 is a vertical section taken on the line Y Y, Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the apparatus with the top removed. Figs. 6 and 7 are sectional detail views of the apparatus, illustrating the yoke which cotiperates with the doors in lifting the central shaft. Figs. 8 and 9 are sections taken through the push-key mechanism, shown on a larger scale. In Fig. 8 the lowermost push-key is actuated or thrust inwardly, while in Fig. I) the uppermost push-key is actuated. Figs. 10 and 11 are detail views of the push-key-locking slides. Fig. 12 isa fragmentary view of a number oflocking-slides' arranged one above another, the push-keys being shown in section. Fig. 13 is a fragmentary front View of the rotating cylinder, shown on a larger scale than in Fig. 2. Fig. 14. is a vertical section taken radially throughthe rotary cylinder, cutting'the push-key-locking slides, the push-keys, their operating-dogs, and the central shaft being shown in elevation. Fig. 15 is a perspective view in detail of the yoke-lever which cooperates with the doors in lifting the central shaft. Figs. 16, 17, 18, and 19 illustrate one of the cam-wings on the lever-yoke, shown in connection with an engaging roller mounted on one of the doors, the parts being shown in diflt'erent relative positions in the several views. Figs. 20 v meral 5 designate an outer stationary casing,

which, as shown in the drawings, is cylindrical in shape. In the bottom 5 of this casing is formed a central socket engaged by a hollow journal 6, made fast to the bottom of the rotary cylinder-frame 6, inclosed by the casing 5. A cylindrical projection 7 fast on a vertical shaft 7, engages the hollow socket 6 of the rotary frame. This shaft is vertically movable, but has no rotary movement when the machine is in use. The pushkeys and vote-registering devices are mounted on radial partitions 8, made'fast to the frame 6. These partitions are double, forming narrow vertical chambers in which the push-keys, individual registers, and lockingslides are located. The push-keys 9 of each partition 8 are arranged one above another and protrude from'the rotary casing. Access is gained to them for voting purposes by opening the doors 10. These keys are horizontally movable in openings formed in the rotary casing and in vertical cross-pieces 11, 12, 13, and 1 t, attached to each partition and forming guides for the push-keys. Each key is provided with shoulders 9, 9, and 9 and with beveled or inclined faces 9 and 9. Each key 9 is also provided with a longitudinal slot the guides 12 and 13 and normally engaging the inclined face 9 of each key except the uppermost is a short slide 15. The lower extremity of each slide 15 is slotted, as shown at 15, (see Figs. 11 and 12,) to straddle the key. The portion of the slide 15 at the top of the slot 15 rests on the face 9 0f the key. The lower extremity of one slide 15 engages the top of the next slide below, (see Fig. 12,) so that the movement of the lower slide when its key is actuated imparts a corresponding movement to all the slides 15 above, whereby all of theupper slides are moved to a position immediately in the rear of the shoulder 9 of their corresponding keys, whereby the said keys are locked against inward movement until the lower key is returned to its normal position. For instance, if the lowermost key is thrust inwardly, as shown in Fig.

8, its engaging slide 15 is forced upwardly by the inclined face 9 of the key. As this slide 15 moves, as stated, its top engages the slotted lower extremity of the slide 15 next above,

whereby both slides are raised to a position immediately in front of the shoulders 9 of their corresponding keys, thus locking the upper keys against inward movement. WVhen an upper key is pressed, (see Fig. 9,) the body portion of the actuated key is moved to a position immediately above the slide 15 next below, thus preventing the upward movement of said slide, and consequently looking all the slides 15, as well as all the keys 9 below, against movement. The actuated key is locked at its inward limit of movement by a long vertical slide 16, (see Fig. 10,) located between the guides 11 and 13. This slide 16 is provided with a recess 16 forevery key, and the upper wall 16 of the recess normally rests upon the adjacent key. \Vhen any key is actuated or thrust inwardly, as

yond the slide, when the latter drops in front of theshoulder 9 of the key (see Figs. 8 and 9) and holds the latter against the return movement until the slide 16 is raised sufficiently to release the key, as hereinafter explained.

Surrounding the inner reduced portion 9' of each key is a spring 17, which is located between the guide 141 and a shoulder 9 formed on the key. As the keyis forced inwardly this spring is compressed and its recoil action returns the key to its normal position as soon as the slide 16 is raised. and the key released. WVhen thrust inwardly, each push-key acts on a vote-register A of any suitable construction, with which each push-key is connected in any suitable manner, where by a Vote is registered. As shown in the drawings, these registers A are mounted in the chamber of each. radial partition 8, just inside the outer wall of the rotary frame, in which are formed openings 13 for reading the votes indicated by each register when the doors 10 are open.

The lower extremities of the locking-slides 16 normally occupy a position close to a cir cular flange or plate 7, made fast to the bottom of the shaft 7. The closing of the doors raises this shaft, and its flange 7, acting on the slides 16, raises them sufficiently to release the actuated keys, which being returned by their springs 17 to their normal position allow the slides 15 to drop to theirnormal position, leaving the keys of the machine in position for use by thenext voter. The lower extremities of the slides 16 should be buffed with some suitable yielding material 10 in order to make their operation noiseless.

The mechanism employed in connection with the doors in raising the shaft 7 and the manner of its operation will now be described.

To the top of each door 10 is attached a cogged or toothed segmental rack 10. These two racks engage each other, causing the doors to move simultaneously. Fulcrumed on the frame or casing 5 by means of hooks 18, which engage suitable bearings 18, attached to the top of the casing, is a leveryoke 19, having two inwardly-projecting arms 19, which engage a collar 7, with which the top of the shaft 7 is provided. The yoke is further provided with two arms 19, which project outwardly beyond its fulcrum. To each of these arms is pivotally attached, as shown at 19 a wing 19. To therear of the pivot 19 each wing engages a stop 20. The location of the pivot 19 is such that the outer portion of each wing is heavier than its inner portion, whereby the inner part of the wing is normally held against the stop. Each door 10 is provided with a roller 21, which projects into the casing and engages a wing 19 of the yoke during the closing movement of the doors. As the inward movement of the doors commences the rollers 21 engage the outer parts of the wings 19 and actuate the yoke, whose outer portion is depressed, while its inner portion or the arms 19 are raised, imparting a corresponding movement to the shaft 7 and its flange 7, which, acting on the slides 16, accomplishes the function heretofore explained. By the time the rolls 21 occupy positions directly above the pivots 19 of the yoke-wings the shaft 7 has been raised sufficiently for the purpose, and as the rollers continue their movement the wings turn on their pivots and the rollers gradually release the yoke, allowing the shaft to move slowly downward to its normal position. As the doors are opened the rollers 21 pass under the wings without operating the yoke or moving the shaft.

The relative positions of the wing and roller before the doors begin their closing movea ment are illustrated in Fig. 16. In Fig. 17 the roller occupies a position above the pivot 19 In Fig. 18 the roller is beginning its outward movement, while in Fig. 19 the roller is shown in the position when the doors are nearly wide open.

The tickets employed in voting and which are designated by the numeral 22 are ar ranged horizontally around the rotary cylin der, to which they are attached in any suitable manner one above another. The size of the cylinder 6 must be such as to accommodate the longest ticket when passed around it circumferentially. Each ticket is placed adjacent a horizontal row or series of keys 9, there being a key for each office designated on the ticket.

When voting a mixed ticket, the keys are pushed inwardly for each candidate, the keys for all the candidates for the same office being arranged vertically one above another and mounted in the chamberof the same partition 8, so that when the voter has pushed one key and registered a vote for onecandidate for a certain office all of the other keys adjacent names of candidates for the same office, as well as the actuated key, will be locked against movement by the slides 15 and 16 in the manner heretofore explained. After the doors 10 are opened, (see Fig. 2,) assuming that the cylinder 6 is in the normal position, the heads of the tickets will be exposed. After pushing the exposed keys the voter turns the cylinder 6 toward the left or in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 5 and pushes the keys as they are successively brought into view at the door-opening until a full set of candidates has been voted for-that is, if he votes a mixed ticket. In voting straight tickets all that is necessary is to open the doors, adjust the cylinder 0, and close the doors again. The closing doors, acting on the shaft 7 through the instrumentality of the yoke 19, raises the shaft, as heretofore explained. This upward movement of the shaft when the cylinder 6 has been properly adjusted, by the voter ac'tuates a horizontal series of keys and registers a vote for all the candidates on the desired ticket through the instrumentality of mechanism which will now be described.

Mounted on the bottom of the casing 5 just inside the doors is a dog 23, which engages ratchet-teeth 24, formed on the lower part of the rotary cylinder 6 5 also, upon the rotary cylinder adjacent these ratchet teeth are placed suitable characters or emblems corresponding with those at the heads of the various tickets. In the drawings (see Fig. 2) the tickets are distinguished by the letters R, D, P, and L to designate Republican,Democrat, Pop ulist,and Labor tickets, and corresponding letters are formed on the lower part of the rotary cylinder adjacent the ratchet-teeth 24. The voter desiring to vote a straight ticket adjusts the cylinder 6 so that the dog 23 shall engage the ratchet at the point B, D, P, or L, according to the ticket he desires to vote.

The shaft 7 is provided with a horizontal series of lugs 7 for each ticket. (See Fig. 4.) Mounted on the rotary frame and surrounding the shaft 7 is a collar 25, located above, but adjacent each series of lugs 7 Each collar is provided with depending projections 25 corresponding with the number of lugs 7 in the adjacent horizontal series on the shaft. These lugs and projections are so arranged that when the rotary cylinder is properly adjusted the series of projections on any collar may be brought directly beneath the corresponding series of lugs on the shaft. The collars 25 are mounted in brackets 26, attached to the rotary frame in such a manner that the collars turn with the frame, but are allowed to move vertically independently thereof. Each collar 25 engages a horizontal series of dogs 27, pivoted on the rotary frame, as shown at 28. The dogs 27 in each horizontal series engage shoulders 9 formed on the inner extremities of the push-keys which must be actuated in registering a straight ticket. Assuming that the rotary frame is properly adjusted to bring a series of lugs 7 directly beneath a series of projections 25 on a collar 25, then it is evident that if the doors be closed and the shaft raised the collar 25 will also be raised and the dogs 27 actuated; but these dogs are so connected and arranged with reference to the pushkeys that as their inward extremities, which engage the collar 25, are raised their opposite extremities are thrust inwardly sufficiently to actuate a complete horizontal series of push-keys 9 and reg ister a vote for every candidate on the corresponding ticket. In other words, the movement of the keys through the agency of the shaft and collar acting on their inner extremities has exactly the same effect as if the same keys are individually pushed by applying pressure to their outer extremities, as'explained in describing'the manner of using the machine forvoting mixed tickets. Of course any straight ticket could be voted by pressingthe push-keys in succession corresponding with all the candidates on the ticket, the result being the same as when all the keys are simultaneously actuated through the instrumentality of the shaft 7, acollar 25, and a set of dogs 27.

The dog 23 for locking the rotary cylinder in any desired position of adjustment is so arranged that when in the locking position one extremity projects into the path of one of the doors as it moves to the closed position. I-Ience after any voter has used the machine and closed the doors the dog is actuated to release the cylinder, which is then returned to its normal position by weights or in any other suitable manner. As shown in the drawings, two weights 29 are employed. These weights are attached to cords 30 and are arranged to move vertically in pockets 31, formed in the casing 5. The cords pass over pulleys 32, mounted on the casing, and thence around a neck 5, formed on top of the rotary frame, so that as the frame is turned in the direction indicated by the arrow in Fig. 5 the weights will be raised. Hence as soon as the locking-dog 23 is disengaged from the rotary frame by the closing of the doors in the manner heretofore explained the weights will descend and return theframeto its normal'position. In order that the rotary frame may always stop in the same position, the stationary case is provided with a stop 33, which is engaged by a lug 34 on the rotary frame when the latter has reached the proper position under the influence of the weights.

The case is provided with a vertically-movable rack 35, (see Fig. 26,) having a number of horizontal strips 35, which normally cover the register-openings B and prevent the V0- ter from reading the number of votes cast. This rack may be moved vertically to disclose the openings 13 after voting is completed, and for this purpose it may be arranged in any suitable manner to best accomplish the end sought; As shown in the drawings, (see Figs. 3 and 26,) the rack is provided with flanges 35, which engage vertical ways formed in strips 36, attached to the casing 5.

Each collar 25 is provided with a recess 25 (See Fig. 25.) These recesses are engaged .by the supporting-brackets 26, whereby the collars are made to turn with the rotating frame 6, and at the same time are allowed to move vertically with the shaft 7 independently of said frame.

As shown in the drawings, each push-key 9 is provided with a lug 9, which engages a movable projection A, with which each individual vote-register is provided, whereby the said register is actuated every time a key is pushed. Any suitable construction of register may be employed and the keys may be connected with them in anysuitable manner.

In the top of the casing 5 is formed a central opening, in which the collar 7 of the shaft 7 is located and normally adapted to move vertically as the doors 10 are closed, in the manner heretofore explained. Attached to the shaft 7 and projecting through said opening above the top of the casing is a vertical arm 37, provided with a transverse opening 37, through which passes a crank 38, having a shaft 39, whose extremities 39" are journaled in blocks 40, engaging a vertical flange 5, formed on the casing around the central opening in its top. These blocks are arranged to slide freely on the flange. Surrounded by the flange 5 and engaging a guide-groove formed in the top of the shaft 7 is a sliding shoe 42, whose extremity 42 normally engages a recess formed in the top of the casing, thus locking the shaft against rotation with the rotary frame 6. This extremity 42 of the shoe also engages the lower extremity of a bar 43, connected with a counting device 46 of any suitable construction, and actuates the counting device or register 46 every time the shaft is raised or every time the doors 10 are closed. Hence this counter registers the total number of votes cast.

hook 44. (Shown by dotted lines in Figs. 22

and 23.) This hook is adapted to engage'a counterpart hook 42, formed on the shoe 42,

during the raising of the lever, whereby the shoe is actuated sufficiently to disengage it from the casing 5, thus permitting the shaft 7 to turn with the frame 6; also, during the raising of the lever-arm the shaft 7, by virtoe of the crank 38, will be raised to the dotted -line position in Fig. 21. When thus raised, the lever-arm 44 may be locked to the bar 37 in any suitable manner, as by passing the hasp or shackle of a padlock 45 through apertures formed in the two parts. When this is accomplished, it is evident that the opening and closing of the door will not register votes, as the shaft is held in the raised position, and therefore cannot be actuated by the closing doors; also, in this case as the shaft 7 is allowed to turn with the rotary frame 6 the latter cannot be adjusted for votin g purposes, and, lastly, the slide 16 is raised to bring its part 16 below each recess 16 in front of a shoulder 9 of each push-key 9, thus lockin g all the push-keys against inward movement. The doors 10 are of course supposed to be securely locked when the machine is not in use, and consequently can be opened only by the proper officers. When the leverarm 44 is unlocked and returned to its normal position, a lug 44 thereon engages the extremity 42 of the shoe 42 and returns the opposite extremity of the shoe to its recess in the flange 5 of the casing. The shaft is of course lowered at the same time, thus returning all the parts to their relative operative positions for voting purposes.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim is 1. In a voting-machine, the combination with a suitable casing and a door, of a rotary frame inclosed thereby, suitable registers mounted on the frame, push-keys supported on the frame and connected with the registers, the keys for voting straight tickets being arranged in horizontal series adjacent the tickets, which extend around the frame and occupy positions parallel to each other, the keys corresponding to the same office of all the tickets being arranged in vertical series, and suitable slides shifted by the actuated key, for locking the other slides in the same vertical series, against movement when any key is pressed inwardly, another vertical slide for locking the actuated key at its inward limit of movement, and means operated by the closing of the door for acting on the last-named slide, whereby the actuated key is released and allowed to return to its normal position.

2. The combination with the casing and a door, of a rotary frame inclosed thereby, a vertical shaft around which the frame moves, said shaft being provided with a bottom flange or plate and having a vertical movement,

vertical partitions radially arranged on the rotary frame, push-keys mounted on said partitions, one above another, registers also mounted on the partitions and adapted to be operated by the keys, which are positioned in horizontal series around the rotary frame,

collars mounted on the rotary frame adjacent the shaft and surrounding the same, dogs mounted on the rotary frame and located between each collar and all the keys in the corresponding horizontal series, said dogs engaging the collar and said keys, a suitable connection between the collars and the shaft, whereby, when the rotary frame is properly adjusted, the vertical movement of the shaft will raise the collar and operate all the keys in the same horizontal series, through the instrnmentality of the interposed dogs, and suitable means actuated by the closing of the door, for imparting the vertical movement to the shaft.

3. The combination with a casing, of a rotary frame journaled therein on a vertical axis, and suitable vote-registers mounted on the frame, push-keys mounted on the rotary frame for actuating the registers, said keys being arranged in vertical and horizontal series, means operated by an actuated pushkey for looking all the other keys in the same vertical series against movement, means for locking the actuated key in the operated position, and suitable means for releasing the actuated key, whereby the operating parts are returned to their normal position ready for the next voter.

4. The combination with a suitable case and doors, of a rotary frame journaled in said casing on a vertical axis, counting-registers mounted on the frame, push-keys mounted on the rotary frame and adapted ,to actuate the registers, said keys being arranged in horizontal and verticalseries, means actuated by the inward thrust of any key for looking all the other keys in the same vertical series against movement, means for locking the actuated key at its inward limit of movement, and means operated by the closing of the door for releasing the actuated key.

5. The combination with a casing provided with a door, of a rotary frame journaled in the casing, counting-registers mounted on the rotary frame, push-keys mounted on said frame and arranged in vertical series, means operated by an actuated key for looking all the other keys in the same vertical series against movement, a vertically movable slide for locking the actuated key in the operated position, and means operated from the door of the casing for raising said slide and releasing the actuated key.

6. The combination with a casing and a door, of a rotary frame journaled therein on a vertical axis, spring-held push-keys mounted on the said frame and arrangedin vertical and horizontal series, vertical slides arranged one above another and operated by the actuated push-key, whereby the keys above in the same verticalseries are locked against movement, a vertical slide for lockin g the actuated push-key in the operated position, dogs mounted on the rotary frame and engaging the inner extremity of each push-key, a central vertical shaft,vertically movable but normally locked against rotary movement, collars mounted on the rotary frame and surrounding the shaft, said collars being arranged to turn with the rotary frame and move vertically with the shaft independently of the rotary frame, the shaft and collars being so connected that by the proper adjustment of the frame the upward movement of the shaft raises a collar, the collars being positioned to engage the dogs whereby, as a collar-is raised, all the push-keys in the same horizontal series are actuated, and a yokelever interposed between the shaft and the door, whereby the closing of the door raises the shaft.

7. The combination with a casing, of a rotary frame j ournaled in said casing, a vertically-movable shaft surrounded by the rotary frame, push-keys mounted on the rotary frame and projecting inwardly toward the shaft, means interposed between the pushkeys and the shaft whereby the vertical movement of the shaft actuates the push-keys, and suitable means for imparting the vertical movement to the shaft.

8. The combination with a casing, of a rotary frame journaled therein on a vertical axis, a vertically-movable shaft surrounded by therotary frame, push-keys mounted on said frame and projecting inwardly toward the shaft, a suitable connection between the said shaft and the keys whereby the vertical movement of the shaft actuates the keys, and suitable means for actuating the shaft.

9. The combination with a casing, of a rotary frame journaled therein, a verticallymovable shaft surrounded by said frame, push-keys mounted on the frame and projecting inwardly toward the shaft, a suitable connection between the shaft and thekeys whereby the vertical movement of the, shaft actuates the keys, and suitable means for operat ing the shaft.

10. The combination with a casing and a door, of a rotary frame journaled in the casing, push-keys mounted on the casing, asuitable connection between the keys and the shaft'whereby the movement of the shaft ac tuates the keys, and means operated by the door for actuating the shaft.

11. The combination with asuitable casing, vote-registers, and operating means therefor, of a shaft vertically movable in saidcasing, and a connection between the shaft and the vote registering mechanism, whereby the movement of the shaft actuates the voteare istering means.

12. The combination with a casing and a door, and vote-registering mechanism inclosed by the casing, of a shaft vertically movable in said casing, a connection between said shaft and thevote-registering mechanism, whereby the movement of the shaft actuates said mechanism, and means actuated by the door of the casing for actuating thesaid shaft.

13. The combination with a casing and suitable vote-registering mechanism, of a vertical shaft vertically movable in said casing,a slideshoe for lockin g the shaft to the casing to prevent rotation, a crank-shaft, blocks arranged to slide on the casing, and in which the crank shaft is journaled, a vertical projection made fast to the shaft and having an opening engaged-by the crank of the crank-shaft, a leverarm made fast to the crank-shaft whereby the vertical shaft may be raised by the raising of the said lever-arm, the arrangement of the parts being so ch that,as the lever is raised, the shoe is shifted to release the shaft.

let. The combination with a suitable casing and vote registering mechanism inclosed thereby, of a vertical shaft vertically movable in said casing and normally arranged to operate the voteregistering mechanism, a total-vote register, and a suitable connection between the shaft and the said register whereby the raising of the shaft operates the register.

15. In a voting-machine the combination with a suitable casing, of a set of puslrkeys arranged one above another, each key being provided with two inclined faces and two shoulders, locking-slides arranged one above another and engaging each other, one of these slides normally engaging one inclined face of each key except the uppermost, whereby as any key is thrust inwardly, its inclined face actuates its engaging slide, raises said slide and all other slides above it, whereby a slide is brought immediately in the rear of one shoulder of each key, lockin g the inactive keys against movement, and a long vertical slide normally engaging the other inclined face of each key,whereby as any key is pushed inwardly the slide is raised and lowered to fall in front of the other shoulder on the actuated key whereby the latter is locked against the return movement.

16. In a voting-machine,the combination of a casing and a set of push-keys arranged one above another, each key having an inclined face and a shoulder, a long vertical slide normally engaging the inclined face of each key, whereby as any key is pushed inwardly, the slide is raised and allowed to fall in front of the shoulder on the actuated key, whereby the latter is locked against the return move 'ment, a vertically-movable shaft located in the center of the casing, and a suitable connection between said shaft and the inner eX- tremities of the push-keys whereby the movement of the shaft actuates said keys.

17. The combination with a voting-machine, of a number of push-keys arranged one above another and provided with beveled faces and shoulders, a number of short slides arranged one above another, a slide normally resting on aninclined face of each key except the uppermost, and a long slide normally resting on a beveled face of each key, whereby when any key except the uppermost is pressed, the short slides are raised to positions immediately in the rear of shoulders on the inactive keys, whereby the latter are locked against inward movement, the long slide being raised by the actuated key until the slide drops in front of a shoulder on said key, thus locking the latter against the return movement.

18. In a voting-machine,the combination of a casing, a door and a set of spring-returned push-keys arranged one above another, each key having an inclined face and a shoulder, a long, vertical slide normally engaging the inclined face of each key,whereby as any key is pushed inwardly, the slide is raised and allowed to fall in front of the shoulder on the key, whereby the latter is locked against the return movement, and means for automatically raising the long slide to release the pushkey comprising a vertically-movable shaft provided with a flange adapted to engage the long slide as the shaft is actuated, and a coin nection between the door and the shaft whereby the closing of the door actuates the shaft.

19. The combination, in a voting-machine, of a number of push-keys arranged one above another and provided with beveled or inclined faces and shoulders, a number of short slides arranged one above another, a slide normally resting on an inclined face of each key except the uppermost, and a long slide normally resting on a beveled face of each key, whereby when any key except the uppermost is pressed, the short slides are raised to positions immediately in the rear of shoulders on the inactive keys, whereby the latter are locked against inward movement, the long slide being raised by the actuated key until the slide drops in front ofa shoulder on said key, thus locking the latter against the return movement, and means for automatically raising the long slide sufficiently to release the actuated key and allow the latter to return to its normal position, whereby the short slides are allowed to return to their normal positions, unlocking the inactive push-keys.

20. The combination with a casing, a door and vote-registerin g mechanism incloscd by the casing, of a vertical shaft located in said casin g, a connection between the door and the shaft whereby the movement of the door actuates the shaft vertically, and a connection between the shaft and the vote-registering mechanism, whereby the said movement of the shaft actuates the said mechanism.

21. The combination with a casing, a door, and vote-registering mechanism, of a vertical shaft for operating said mechanism, a lever yokeengaging the shaft, and a connection between said door and the yoke, whereby the movement of the door actuates the yoke.

22. The combination with a casing, of a ro= tary frame adjustably mounted therein, voteregistering mechanism carried by said frame, a vertically-movable shaft arranged to operate said mechanism, and means for actuating the shaft.

23; The combination with a casing and a door, of a rotary frame mounted therein ,vote

registering mechanism carried by said frame, and means for locking the frame in a predetermined position comprising a locking-dog mounted on the outer part of the casing and engaging teeth formed on the adjacent portion of the rotary frame, the arrangement being such that the closing of the door engages the dog and unlocks the rotary frame.

24. The combination with a casing provided with a door, of a rotary frame mounted therein, on a vertical axis, vote-registering mechanism carried by said frame, a locking-dog for holding the frame in any desired position of adjustment, the arrangement being such that the closing of the door engages the dog and unlocks the frame, and suitable means for returning the frame automatically to its normal position.

25. The combination with a casing and a door, of a rotary frame mounted therein, on a vertical axis, vote-registering mechanism carried by said frame, a locking-dog mounted on the outer part of the casing and engaging teeth formed on the adjacent portion of the rotary frame, the arrangement being such that the closing of the door engages the dog and unlocks the frame, and suitable means for returning the frame automatically to its normal position, comprising weights supported by cords connected with the rotary frame, whereby as the latter is turned by the voter, the weights are raised.

26. The combination with a casing, of a cylindrical frame journaled in said casing, a central vertically-movable shaft and voteregistering mechanism carried bysaid frame and adapted to be actuated by the movement of the shaft.

27. The combination with a casing, of a cylindrical frame journaled in said casing on a vertical axis, vote-registering mechanism carried by said frame, and a vertically-movable shaft surrounded by said frame and arranged to operate the vote-registering mechanism.

28. The combination with a casing, of a cylindrical frame journaled therein, a central vertically-movable shaft, vertical radial partitions mounted on said frame, vote-registers carried by said partitions, and push-keys also carried by the partitions and arranged to operate the registers the push-keys being operated by themovement of the shaft.

29. The combination of a casing, vote-registering mechanism inclosed thereby, a vertical shaft located in the casing for operating said mechanism, a yoke-lever having arms engaging said shaft, wings pivoted on said lever, and doors connected with the casing and provided with rollers which engage the said wings and actuate the lever as the doors are closed, the said rollers passing under the wings during the opening movement of the doors.

30. The combination with a casing, and vote-registering mechanism inclosed thereby, of two doors hinged to the casing and provided with engaging segmental racks, whereby the doors must move simultaneously, and a suitable connection between the doors and the vote-registering mechanism, whereby the movement of the doors operates said mechanism.

In testimony whereof we affix our signatures in presence of two witnesses.

JOSIAH FAIN. MARTIN HERSTROM.

Witnesses A. J. V. OBRIEN, NELLIE G. DANIELS. 

